Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Bensalem, PA

  • Published 2022/10/11

Bensalem is a quaint township that belongs to Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Established in 1692, the community started with only 12 landowners and 21 square miles of land area.

Its name came from Joseph Growden, who used to call his property the Manor of Bensalem.

The name references William Penn, an English writer and the state’s founder.

The town was once called “Salem,” a Semitic word that denotes peace until they added the prefix “Ben” in 1701.

As the most populated municipality in the county, Bensalem serves as a home for natives and emigrants.

This small area has a warm community that will let you experience life away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.

Here are the best things to do in Bensalem, Pennsylvania:

Unwind at Neshaminy State Park

Neshaminy State Park during sunrise

mike epp, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Take a moment to relax with the scenery at Neshaminy State Park.

This park along State Road got its name from the famous Neshaminy Creek near the town.

The American Colonies once incurred a debt to the father of William Penn, the state’s founder.

As payment, he received a parcel of land from the king of England.

In 1682, he bought the land from the Native Americans, the area’s previous inhabitants.

He bought another property in the northern part of Neshaminy Creek a year later.

He developed it along with the rest of the state until it became the Neshaminy State Park.

Spanning 339 acres, the park lets you do various fun activities with your loved ones.

You can stretch your muscles from its long walking trails.

Dip your toes in a separate swimming pool provided by this state park.

Bring your loved ones for a picnic in the designated picnic area of the Neshaminy State Park.

Visit the Historical Society of Bensalem Township

Drop by the Historical Society of Bensalem Township and uncover the town’s past.

Incorporated in 1977, the organization preserves the history of the township.

Its caretakers have spent their time in service by collecting artifacts from locals.

Witness valuable items from 1910 to 2004 in the museum.

You can also look at people’s property deeds, photographs, and local genealogies.

Multimedia programs also play inside the innovative learning center.

You can visit the Historical Society of Bensalem Township along Knights Road.

Take on the Challenge at Bury the Hatchet

For a night of action-packed fun, visit Bury The Hatchet in the town.

You can check this place out along Woodhaven Road.

Bury the Hatchet is the perfect spot for you to learn and enjoy axe throwing.

With the help of axe masters, you’ll get a heads-up on the safety protocols and instructions for this sport.

Plan a team-building activity with your workmates and bet on who will score the most in one session.

Showcase your advanced skills by joining the axe-throwing leagues hosted by the center.

If you want a peculiar set-up for your party, arrange a group event with Bury the Hatchet.

Meet the Locals at Penn Community Bank Amphitheater

Join the locals as they have fun at the Penn Community Bank Amphitheater.

This open space in Central Park hosts community-wide events.

Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo led this spot’s establishment along with the township council.

Penn Community Bank Amphitheater can accommodate around 3,000 people on its grounds.

Seize the chance to attend one of the town’s summer concerts from June to August.

Events like magic and motor shows also occur in this place all year round.

With restrooms and concessions, this venue should show you a relaxing time.

Enjoy Live Entertainment at Parx Casino and Racing

Entrance to Parx Casino and Racing

Dough4872, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Make the most of the live entertainment you can find at Parx Casino and Racing.

Head to Street Road to visit this spot where fun never ends.

Established in 1974, Parx Casino and Racing was once called the Keystone Racetrack.

In August 2010, it finally became Parx Casino and Racing after a series of ownerships.

Interior view of Parx Casino and Racing

Dough4872, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Enjoy your time at the place by playing table games and poker with the casino’s dealers.

You can also play among one of its 3,000 slots that include Wheel of Fortune and other roulette games.

Likewise, make sure to cast your sports bet on the racing horses in the facility.

See the stallions race toward the finish line over the live racing broadcast over the casino.

What better way to conclude your trip to this entertainment hub than by jiving to the music at its Xcite Center?

Find Your Way Out at All In Adventures Escape Rooms

Add some thrill to your adventure around town by visiting All In Adventures Escape Rooms.

Located inside Neshaminy Mall, this facility offers exciting courses on different themes.

All In Adventures Escape Rooms first opened in Georgia but managed to expand to 11 states around the United States.

Boost your imagination and get out of the room with your group before your 50 minutes runs out.

Unlike other escape rooms, it features Paris and the Bermuda Triangle as some of its themes.

Join a treasure hunt or survive a zombie apocalypse!

You can also throw any fun occasion here and make escape rooms a form of entertainment for your guests.

Play Golf at Bensalem Township Country Club

Complete your quaint town experience and drop by Bensalem Township Country Club.

Established in 1960, this was once called the “Cornwells Golf Club.”

Gus Hansel, a farmer, was the first person to buy this property around the 1950s.

He noticed the dwindling farmland in the area, and he realized he must find another means to earn a living.

He decided to turn this 140-acre land into a recreational spot with an 18-hole golf course.

William Gordon helped him design the golf club.

Five years after his death in 1984, the property became available for public use.

The township council soon bought it and named it the Bensalem Township Country Club in 2006.

Situated on Brown Avenue, this is one of the spots where travelers spend their leisure time.

For beginners in golfing, its training staff will teach the basic skills needed to play the sport.

After playing, check out the Owl’s Nest, where a delectable food selection awaits you.

You can order one of the golf club’s six draft beers and premium spirits and beverages.

Bring your loved ones to its bar and grill to celebrate special events and share a meal with them.

Take a Look at Growden Mansion

Exterior view of Growden Mansion

User:Magicpiano, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Behold one of the oldest properties around town: the extraordinary Growden Mansion.

Its history traces back to Joseph Growden, who bought 5,000 acres of land there.

He named this property “The Manor of Bensalem.”

Upon his death in the 1730s, Lawrence, his son, took over and expanded the mansion.

Lawrence soon had Grace, his daughter, who became the eventual owner of the property.

After she married Joseph Galloway, he became the succeeding owner of the mansion.

Joseph soon befriended Benjamin Franklin, one of the country’s Founding Fathers.

With this, Growden Mansion became a historic site over the decades.

Today, the township owns this estate along Neshaminy Valley Drive.

Operating as a museum, you can learn more about American history in this spot.

See the bullet holes in its walls from the American Revolutionary War.

You can find “The Vault” on its east wing, which stores pertinent documents of the entire county.

Taste Seafood Dishes at Crafty Crab Seafood

After a long trip around town, delight yourself at Crafty Crab Seafood.

This restaurant on Street Road features authentic seafood cuisine for locals and visitors.

Crafty Crab Seafood was the idea of Zhuang Hong Lin, a resident of Palm Bay.

In 2016, he opened a seafood restaurant that grew exponentially over the years.

Never miss out on its crab dishes, the house specialty.

You can also take a bite of its shrimp, lobster, crawfish, and mussels.

Choose among the Cajun, butter, garlic, and lemon pepper seasonings for your seafood.

Also, try the restaurant’s fried calamari and steamed oysters and scallops.

Side dishes and salads are also available for kids and health enthusiasts who want to dine there.

Celebrate Milestones at La Luna Banquet Hall

Make your visit to Bensalem a memorable one for you by staging your big event at La Luna Banquet Hall.

You can find this event place along Bensalem Boulevard.

Back in 2002, Mark and Karen Weinberg opened this event venue.

They saw the need for local couples for a convenient venue to help simplify their wedding preparations.

After two years, La Luna Banquet Hall sealed the deal with PTG Catering.

This made the spot amenable to those seeking a place to conduct special celebrations.

La Luna Banquet Hall, which takes over a rustic design, features a patio with iron arches.

Its picturesque view also offers a lion’s head fountain and a quaint courtyard.

Explore its “secret garden” with a paver patio perfect for exchanging vows and tying the knot.

Its ballroom is spacious enough for you to conduct the reception after the main event.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Adore Wildlife Species at Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion

Curved pathway at Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion

Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Visit the Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion and appreciate wildlife.

You can find this spot on Frankford Avenue in Philadelphia, 18 minutes from Bensalem.

The Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion houses a wide array of insect species.

Spanning over 7,000 square feet, this science museum aims to educate people about arthropods.

Behold the actual process of metamorphosis in its Chrysalis Chamber.

Inside the spot, you’ll see an entire rainforest where tropical plants thrive.

See the bees from their see-through hive working to produce their honey.

Don’t forget to drop by its gift shop to bring home a memory of a butterfly from this museum.

Uncover the Past at Glen Foerd

Learn to appreciate Glen Foerd and its historical origins.

It’s on Grant Avenue in Philadelphia, 15 minutes from Bensalem.

Established in 1850, Charles Macalester bought a parcel of land in Philadelphia.

He designated a part of it to Glengarry, a summer residence.

After his death, Lulu Macalester Laughton took over the place.

Soon enough, Robert Foerderer gained ownership of the property in 1895.

With the help of William McAuley, the house got its present name.

Now, Glen Foerd houses American and European art.

Inside the estate, you’ll come across contemporary artworks and historical artifacts.

The paintings were a collection by Caroline and Florence Foerderer.

These creative masterpieces date back to the Renaissance era.

Meanwhile, the artifacts depict the locals’ way of life over the decades.

Glen Foerd’s grounds are home to oak trees that have survived for three centuries.

Amuse Yourself at Sesame Place

Entrance to Sesame Place

JaysonPhotography / Shutterstock.com

Relive your childhood dream and see the cast of Sesame Street at Sesame Place in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, 15 minutes from Bensalem.

This amusement spot sits across Sesame Road.

Bring your family and explore thrilling rides inside Sesame Place.

Ride at Sesame Place

Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock.com

Likewise, don’t miss the live entertainment and shows that feature characters from the renowned television series.

Your kids can have a meet-and-greet session with Elmo and his friends too.

Several exciting events happen at Sesame Place, no matter the season.

View of Sesame Place

Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock.com

Jump in Joy at Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Hop on an exciting adventure at Sky Zone Trampoline Park.

Drive along Blue Grass Road in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2o minutes from Bensalem, to reach this center.

Take a giant leap and conquer its challenging ninja warrior course.

It has various other facilities, too, where you can jump while staying safe from any harm.

It also offers sky camping, where kids hone their flexibility in avoiding a giant dodgeball.

At night, visit the Sky Zone Trampoline Park for its Glow event.

You can jive to the music as the entire place becomes a big jumping dance club.

Dine at Dale’s Deli and Happy Hour Tavern

If you’re looking for a place to hang out, drop by Dale’s Deli and Happy Hour Tavern.

Head to Veterans Highway in Levittown, Pennsylvania, eight minutes from Bensalem.

Since 1955, Dale’s Deli and Happy Hour Tavern has offered quality food to its diners.

Pick among its mozzarella sticks, jalapeño poppers, and other appetizers to start.

Take a bite of its quesadillas, grilled panini, and a variety of chicken dishes.

It also has a variety of beers that will complete your night out with friends.

Final Thoughts

Bensalem Township is more than meets the eye; huge adventures await you there.

If you need to take a breather, you must visit this place at once.

Thanks to the best things to do in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, your time in the area will be worth it.

Plan your trip to this majestic spot today!

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